School Philosophy

In our progressive approach, we believe that education must not be a race for the accumulation of facts, but should be an enriching end in itself. We also believe that education is a joint venture among students, parents/caregivers and teachers. We see the individual child’s curiosity, abilities and learning styles as integral factors in designing, individualizing and assessing each student’s learning. We believe that the arts are an essential part of the curriculum and that it is important for students to express themselves creatively and to use their imaginations freely. We believe that the uniqueness of children is revealed in their very existence and that it is the school’s responsibility to foster their innate sense of the mystery and joy of life.

We encourage children to follow their interests, pursue problems in a way that makes sense tothem and defend their conclusion by explaining their thinking a variety of ways. We understand that there are many kinds of intelligence and the traditional academic, cognitive area is one. Other important areas of intelligence are intuition, imagination, artistic creativity, physical expression and performance, sensitivity to others, and self-understanding. To neglect any of these areas is to limit students in the development of their full human potential.

We engage students with hands-on investigations, projects and design challenges across the grades and subject areas inspiring greater interest, depth and understanding. Our approach values the skills involved in formulating one’s own questions, as well as answering those of a teacher. We view mistakes and setbacks as important opportunities for both learning and assessment.

We believe each child learns best not by reliance on summative testing or passively consuming knowledge, rather that each child learns best by actively constructing their own understanding based on his or her knowledge, skills, and experience.

In the 21st Century, students are faced with the challenge of learning about an interconnected world where knowledge is constantly developing. Students in Ralph Bunche School classrooms have their understanding of beliefs, facts, and skills deepened and reinforced by applying them to complex real-world situations.

Mission

The Ralph Bunche School's goal is to provide a strong career and college preparatory program from which each student will develop a personal commitment to learning, a respect for independent thinking, an expanding curiosity about the world and its people, and value diversity to become responsible world citizens. We are dedicated to helping young people make bold and valuable decisions with their lives while acting as a force for positive social change

Vision

We consider certain skills to be essential for all our graduates: to read well, to write clearly and coherently, to study effectively, to reason soundly, and to question thoughtfully. Through our academic and extra-curricular programs, we seek to promote social, political, and moral understanding, and to instill a respect for the humanity and ecology of the earth. We understand that there are many kinds of intelligence and the traditional academic, cognitive area is one.

Other important areas of intelligence are intuition, imagination, artistic creativity, physical expression and performance, sensitivity to others, and self-understanding. To neglect any of these areas is to limit students in the development of their full human potential. We expect teachers to design instruction that incorporates a variety of learning styles, curriculum that has meaning and interest for the students and includes inquiry-based lessons that explore and build upon the students’ knowledge base. We will constantly review what we do and how we do it with an eye to what needs to be refined, changed, or retained; we will offer relevant and meaningful educational experiences through inquiry, critical thinking, creative expression, ethical behavior, and cooperative social interaction.

The acquisition of knowledge, the development of skills, the striving for excellence in all endeavors and maintaining a sense of respect for self and others are essential components of a Ralph Bunche School education. Built into our very fiber is the desire to be on the cutting edge of education. Developing global citizens for the 21st century. "One School, One Family, One Voice"